I've announced that I'm destined to have many children, and my father has bestowed upon me

The bridal sedan chair swayed gently.

Outside, there was a cacophony of voices and festive music.

Inside the sedan chair, however, all was quiet and red.

Li Qingluan sat upright, nervously twisting the hem of her clothes with both hands, her heart pounding wildly.

She could clearly feel that the man's presence still lingered on her.

The short stretch of road he carried her on his back was the first time in her life she had ever had such intimate contact with a man.

His back was broad and warm.

His steps were steady, without the slightest sway.

He smelled... very nice too.

He was completely different from the playboy who spent his days in brothels and red-light districts as rumored.

Suddenly, a bold idea popped into my head.

She wanted to see him.

Look at the man who is about to become her husband, what does he look like right now?

Once the thought arises, it can never be stopped.

Her hands trembled slightly as she carefully lifted a corner of the red veil.

Through that narrow gap, she could see the outside world.

I saw lively crowds on both sides of the street.

I also saw... that tall, upright figure riding a white dragon horse.

He stood in front of the bridal sedan chair, dressed in red, his posture as slender as a pine tree.

Amidst the bustling crowd and grand procession, there was an indescribable sense of composure and calmness.

Just then, as if sensing something, I felt something.

Zhao Chen'an, who was on horseback, suddenly turned around.

Their eyes met, and even through the gap in the sedan curtain, Zhao Chen'an caught a glimpse of that momentary panic.

Immediately, the red patch fell down quickly, sealing the gap perfectly.

Zhao Chen'an chuckled, reined in the horse, slowed its pace, and rode alongside the bridal sedan chair.

He did not look back.

But the faint, sweet fragrance and the flustered figure lingered in his mind.

……

The residence of the Sixteenth Prince.

Compared to the grand and imposing General of Chariots and Cavalry's mansion, this residence appears much smaller and more exquisite.

But today, this is the liveliest place in the entire imperial city.

The mansion gates were wide open, and a red carpet stretched from the entrance all the way to the inner courtyard. Red lanterns hung high on both sides, creating a festive atmosphere even in broad daylight.

Guests came and went in an endless stream.

Although due to Zhao Chen'an's past reputation and his inability to cultivate, those truly high-ranking princes and ministers did not come in person.

However, the stewards sent by each family and the congratulatory gifts they brought were enough to fill half the courtyard.

The other princes and princesses also tacitly sent their congratulatory gifts.

Zhao Chen'an was already used to this and was happy to have some peace and quiet.

He changed out of his elaborate wedding robes and into a simple red casual outfit, carrying a wine glass as he moved among the guests to express his gratitude.

He was well-mannered and witty, showing no signs of the spoiled and dissolute nature of the rumors. On the contrary, many guests who met him for the first time were secretly amazed.

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere was in full swing.

"His Highness the Third Prince has arrived!"

A loud announcement, like a thunderclap from a clear sky, instantly silenced the noisy courtyard.

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound.

A figure staggered in through the gate of the mansion.

The newcomer was also wearing a brocade robe, but the fabric was already wrinkled beyond recognition.

His hair ornament was askew, and he looked disheveled and reeked of alcohol.

It was none other than the Third Prince, Zhao Chenyu.

Shouldn't he be confined to his residence?

This thought popped into everyone's mind.

Zhao Chen'an narrowed his eyes slightly, calculating the days; it seemed that his third brother's confinement was ending today.

They really did rush over immediately.

Looking at the red-filled courtyard and Zhao Chen'an smiling and chatting with the guests, Zhao Chenyu felt a surge of blood rush to his head.

It’s over.

It's all over.

The woman he had longed for for so many years eventually married someone else.

She married his good-for-nothing brother!

Jealousy, resentment, anger... countless emotions churned in his chest, burning his eyes until they turned bloodshot.

"Sixteenth brother, congratulations!"

Zhao Chenyu's voice was hoarse, carrying a suppressed madness.

He pushed aside the person blocking his way and walked step by step toward Zhao Chen'an.

The surrounding guests quickly moved away, afraid of being affected by the obviously strange third prince.

Zhao Chen'an put down his wine glass, his smile unchanged, and went to greet him.

"Third brother, I'm so glad you could come."

"Happy?" Zhao Chenyu walked up to him and stared intently at him:

"Of course you're happy! You've won the heart of your beauty, how could you not be happy!"

"Third Brother, you've had too much to drink."

Zhao Chen'an's tone remained calm.

He didn't want to upset his poor brother in this situation.

However, Zhao Chenyu saw his calmness as blatant boasting and mockery.

"I'm not drunk! I'm perfectly sober!"

Zhao Chenyu suddenly reached out and grabbed Zhao Chen'an's shoulders frantically, shaking him violently.

"Zhao Chen'an! What makes you think you're worthy?! You're a useless piece of trash who can't even escape the Sea of ​​Bitterness, what makes you think you can marry Qingluan?!"

"Tell me, on what grounds?!"

His roar was so loud that you could hear a pin drop in the entire courtyard.

Zhao Chen'an did not resist, letting him shake her, and just watched him quietly.

"Third brother, this marriage was bestowed by Father."

"Father?"

Upon hearing those two words, Zhao Chenyu seemed to have all his strength drained away, and his movements froze.

He released Zhao Chen'an, swayed slightly, and a bitter smile appeared on his face.

Yes, it's Father Emperor.

In this Great Zhou Dynasty, who dares to defy his will?

Seeing his distraught appearance, Zhao Chen'an was about to say a few words of comfort.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Chenyu suddenly leaned in, almost touching his ear, and said in a sinister voice that only the two of them could hear:

"Sixteenth brother, it's not your fault... really, your elder brother doesn't blame you."

His voice was soft, yet it carried a chilling undertone.

"Blame your father! It's all his fault! He ruined everything I had!"

"He'll regret it... I promise, he'll definitely regret it!"

After saying that, he shoved Zhao Chen'an away and turned to leave.

He walked along, laughing maniacally, his laughter filled with despair and madness.

"Hahahaha... Father... What a fine father!"

He staggered and disappeared outside the mansion gate under everyone's watchful eyes.

The courtyard was deathly silent.

Everyone was stunned by this sudden turn of events.

Zhao Chen'an stood there, straightening his crumpled collar, and thoughtfully looked in the direction Zhao Chenyu had left.

This matter is probably not that simple.

If it were me, and the woman I loved married someone else, who was also my own brother, I might do something extreme.

However, the thought only flashed through my mind.

He quickly smiled indifferently.

Since this marriage was arranged by the Emperor, he must have foreseen all the possible variables.

The father who sat high on the dragon throne was no kind man.

Back then, he was able to fight his way through hundreds of heirs.

He eventually ascended the throne.

How could ordinary people fathom their minds and methods?

In recent years, it was only because the world was at peace and the court was stable that he had toned down his sharp edge.

A disillusioned prince can't cause much trouble.

……

As night fell, the prince's residence, which had been bustling all day, finally quieted down.

The bright red candles illuminated the courtyard in a crimson glow.

Zhao Chen'an stood alone in the courtyard, letting the evening breeze caress his burning cheeks.

He looked up at the brightly lit room in the distance.

That was his wedding room.

Take a deep breath and drink the remaining wine in the glass in one gulp.

Zhao Chen'an took a step and walked towards the warm light.

Walk through the quiet courtyard and along the long corridor.

He stopped in front of the tightly closed carved wooden door.

Inside the door, the candlelight flickered red.

Zhao Chen'an raised his hand and gently pushed it against the door.